500hp '03 Cobra Mustang

Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) is responsible for producing some of the more elite factory performance ponycars. Even with the recent demise of the Camaro, the Blue Oval camp hasn't rested in terms of Mustang performance, but instead has taken the great leap forward with the '03 Cobra. Putting it a little more bluntly, it's obvious that Ford has paid close attention to the performance enthusiast market, because the company has developed a well-balanced package that any gearhead can appreciate.

For starters, the modular four-valve dual-overhead-cam motor features a cast-iron four-bolt-main block, a forged-steel crankshaft, Manley forged H-beam rods with ARP fasteners, and low-compression forged pistons, along with an Eaton Roots-type supercharger with a water-to-air intercooler producing 8 psi of boost to make 390 hp at 6,000 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Combine this potent powerplant with independent rear suspension, 17-inch wheels wrapped in P275/40ZR Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber, 13-inch vented Brembo discs up front and 11.65-inch discs out back, and a six-speed, and you have one incredible out-of-the-box performer that can rip through canyons or a road course and dip well into the 12-second zone at your local dragstrip.

As impressive as it may seem, would you believe that this is only the beginning? By simply bolting on a few select parts readily available through the aftermarket, power levels can easily eclipse 500-plus rear-wheel horsepower! It's true. Follow along as we take an inside look at just how easy it is to coax even more power from SVT's latest masterpiece.

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DiabloSport Predator

Another viable tuning tool that's about to be released is the DiabloSport Predator. This handheld programmer will come with a basic tune and will allow the end-user to manipulate a wide range of variables, including the fuel curve, timing curve, speed limiter, rev limiter, part- and full-throttle shift points, and shift timing.

The Predator will also have diagnostic capabilities, enabling it to read and erase any fault codes. Even better will be the ability to closely examine the performance of a tune with live data-logging and monitoring functions that can record 90 samples per second for a 30-minute period. These results can be viewed directly on the Predator screen or be exported to a personal computer. Amazing!

500hp Recipe

Amazon Racing and Borla Performance have worked closely to develop an incredible Cat-Back system that allows the supercharged pony to breathe easier, sound incredible, and achieve stellar horsepower levels. Along the way, they've also produced a power-pack combination that'll put most European performance cars to shame. Check out this recipe and the prices (current as of 10/1/03), and we're sure you'll agree that there's never been a better time to be a Ford fanatic.